A 12-hour Rape Aggression Defense program will take place on Sept. 8, 9 and 10 in the dance studio of Shaver Gym, free of charge, to help female Nicholls students, faculty and staff members become properly trained in rape defense concepts.
The R.A.D. program “System of Physical Defense” currently travels to colleges and universities nationwide in an effort to enhance women on the seriousness of rape and possible precautions and defense techniques. The program is based around the R.A.D. objective, which is to develop and enhance the options of self defense, so they may become viable considerations to the woman who is attacked.
“The R.A.D. program is beneficial to anyone,” Sabrina Laurent, coordinator and project director of Women’s Resource Services said. “Whether you’re a young child or whether you’re 90 (years old), the R.A.D. system provides beneficial information, knowledge and techniques.”
The program is sponsored by Women’s Resource and Services, University Police, Peer Education Program, Student Government Association and University Counseling Center.
The program is broken up into three nights of four hour sessions. The first night will consist of discussions on risk reduction strategies and the basic principals of self-defense. The discussion will also entail what rape really is, what date rape is and the pros and cons of certain defensive weapons.
The second night of the program will challenge participants to hands-on training techniques. Techniques ranging from basic to advanced will be shown and participants will simulate striking moves with pads held by the trained instructor.
The third and final night will consist of simulation training. R.A.D. instructors, as well as participants, will wear protective gear as women utilize training techniques from the previous two nights. Different scenarios will be played out to familiarize women with real life safety threats.
Once the 12-hour course is complete, participants will be given a lifetime membership which will honor their completed knowledge of self defense techniques and strategies.
“To be able to offer it (the R.A.D. program) on the college campus where we have a unique environment of women and students not just living on campus but also off campus. It provides them with an opportunity to raise awareness,” Laurent said. “It’s not necessarily about our campus safety; it’s about personal safety in general.”
R.A.D. has trained nearly 160,000 women to date and is the only self-defense program to ever be endorsed by the International Association of Campus Law enforcement Administrators. R.A.D. also offers a life-long opportunity for physical skill mastery.
The program will be held from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. each night. Contact Student Services at 448-4080 for more information or to register.